By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal
As the world marks Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarm over the rising number of Africans pushed into financial hardship due to the high cost of healthcare.
In his message commemorating the day, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi, said the theme “Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!” underscores a persistent crisis in which millions are forced to choose between essential healthcare and basic necessities.
Dr Janabi revealed that out-of-pocket payments remain the dominant form of health financing in most African countries.
In 31 nations, these payments account for more than 25% of all health expenditure; in 11 countries, more than 50%; and in two countries, over 70%.
“These financial pressures force families into impossible choices, between care and food, medicines and school fees, dignity and survival,” he said.
According to the latest global UHC report, over 423 million people in Africa experienced financial hardship in 2022 due to out-of-pocket health spending, with 384 million pushed into or further into poverty.
However, there have been notable improvements. Between 2015 and 2022/23, Africa recorded progress across the UHC Service Coverage Index, especially in maternal and child health, infectious and noncommunicable diseases, and overall service capacity. The region made the world’s strongest gains in NCD service coverage, largely due to reduced tobacco use.
Despite these gains, Dr Janabi said financial protection remains the continent’s most stubborn challenge, disproportionately affecting women, children, older people and rural households.
To accelerate progress, he urged African governments and partners to prioritise:
Increased domestic investment in health Expansion of universal prepayment and risk-pooling systems Strengthening of primary healthcare Investment in health workers, facilities, supply chains and data Improved equity, transparency and accountability
“Let’s build resilient, inclusive and equitable health systems that shield people from financial hardship,” he said.
“On UHC Day 2025, we renew our shared promise: Health for All. No One Left Behind.”
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